Re: diagraming sentences

More | Report Post

I think of diagramming sentences much as I think of algebraic equations.
Do I use algebra constantly in real life? No. Perhaps I would do so more
if I thought about it, though, and last year I had a "distribute these
donations to these teachers in these percentages to add up to $X" and I
was very happy to use algebra. When I am reading or I am writing, I will
sometimes need to step back and decide if I have understood or expressed
my ideas clearly...and a solid knowledge of grammar goes a long way in
clarity of expression!

In the same light, I agree with a prior response that many adults have
not been exposed to diagramming so they have no basis for judgment.
However, if you read well-written literature (and I mean literature, not
writing), there is usually some finesse in grammar apparent. Although
the author may not have diagrammed his or her sentence, he had a
thorough understanding of the mechanics of our language. Great examples
include the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.
Powerful oration often relies on even more concise expression.
Diagramming sentences is a potent way of teaching and learning such
mechanics and one should not write it off unless one has learned it
fully and THEN decided that his or her own teaching method is superior.

Just my two cents.

RESPOND TO THIS POST START A NEW THREAD RETURN TO CHATBOARD

Posts on this thread, including this one